Tribological, anti-corrosive properties and biocompatibility of the micro- and nano-crystalline diamond coated Ti6Al4V

Diamond coatings may provide a way to strengthen the stability of the titanium abutment screw in dentistry for improving its lifespan. Microcrystalline diamond (MCD) and nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films were deposited on Ti6Al4V (TC4) by hot-filament-assisted chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD). The morphology and quality of the diamond films were evaluated by SEM, AFM and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. Friction and corrosion experiments of MCD, NCD coated and uncoated TC4 samples were conducted in artificial saliva. The results indicate that diamond coating lowers the friction coefficient from 0.28 on TC4 to 0.2 on MCD and 0.1 on NCD. They also promote the corrosion resistance, in which NCD films present more efficient improvements. Cell proliferation (mitochondrial function, CCK-8 assay), the pattern of cell growth and cell apoptosis with L929 fibroblast cell culture systems proved that both MCD and NCD films provide suitable and cytotoxicity-free surfaces. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.